Investigating beyond Brian
Amid the ongoing fallout of NBC newsman Brian Williams' tall stories, a former boss of mine chimed in: "Let's investigate everyone -- key question: Does the press "speak truth to power" regardless of who is in power? That is not a test many will pass -- including Brian Williams." Let's be clear: in the matter of Mr. Williams' stories about his Iraq war experience, we don't know what we don't know. For most viewers, he's seen as a compassionate, thoughtful news reader and occasional reporter. And now, one who may have stretched the truth on a personal story with minimal news value. You don't know. I sure don't. The real question may be how long NBC News' leadership knew Mr. Williams' story had holes, yet let him continue for the sake of keeping the Peacock network afloat. The New Yorker's Ken Auletta sums this up here: http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/brian-williams-god-complex . By David ...